Diastasis recti defined as a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle into right and
left halves.
This condition has no associated morbidity or mortality.
The distance between the right and left rectus abdominis muscles is created by the stretching
of the linea alba which connects the two regions.
Diastasis of this muscle occurs principally in two populations: newborns and pregnant
women.
In the newborn, the rectus abdominis is not fully developed and may not be sealed together
at midline.
Diastasis recti is more common in premature and black newborns.
In pregnant or postpartum women, the condition is caused by the stretching of the rectus
abdominis by the growing uterus.
It is more common in multiparous women due to repeated episodes of stretching.
When the defect occurs during pregnancy, the uterus can sometimes be seen bulging through
the abdominal wall beneath the skin.
Women are more susceptible to develop diastasis recti when over the age of 35, high birth
weight of child, multiple birth pregnancy, and multiple pregnancies.
Additional causes can be attributed to excessive abdominal exercises after the first trimester
of pregnancy.
Presentation A diastasis recti may appear as a ridge running
down the midline of the abdomen, anywhere from the xiphoid process to the umbilicus.
It becomes more prominent with straining and may disappear when the abdominal muscles are
relaxed.
The medial borders of the right and left halves of the muscle may be palpated during contraction
of the rectus abdominis.
The condition can be diagnosed by physical exam, and must be differentiated from an epigastric
hernia or incisional hernia, if the patient has had abdominal surgery.
Hernias may be ruled out using ultrasound.
In infants, they typically result from a minor defect of the linea alba between the rectus
abdominis muscles.
This allows tissue from inside the abdomen to herniate anteriorly.
On infants, this may manifest as an apparent 'bubble' under the skin of the belly between
the umbilicus and xiphisternum.
Examination is performed with the subject lying on their back, knees bent at 90° with
feet flat, head slightly lifted placing chin on chest.
With muscles tense, examiners then place fingers in the ridge that is presented.
Measurement of the width of separation is determined by the number of fingertips that
can fit within the space between the left and right rectus abdominis muscles.
Separation consisting of a width of 2 fingertips or more is the determining factor for diagnosing
diastasis recti.
Treatment No treatment is necessary for women while
they are still pregnant.
In children, complications include development of an umbilical or ventral hernia, which is
rare and can be corrected with surgery.
Alerting a medical professional is important when an infant displays signs of vomiting,
redness or pain in the abdominal area.
Typically the separation of the abdominal muscles will lessen within the first year
after childbirth, however it is possible to remain after this time.
The weakening of these abdominal muscles may also make it difficult to lift objects, and
cause lower back pain.
Additional complications can manifest in weakened pelvic alignment, poor posture which can result
in chronic back pain.
Physiotherapy A study conducted at Touro College in 1988
was conducted to determine if exercises could reduce the amount of separation in the rectus
abdominis muscles.
The study further explored which specific exercises resulted in a more favorable effect.
After a six week trial, results were shown that exercising greatly reduced the amount
of the diastasis.
In adults, diastasis recti can in some cases be corrected and/or mitigated by physiotherapy.
A study conducted at Columbia University Program in Physical Therapy established that the women
utilizing the Tupler Technique exercises had a smaller diastasis than the control group
who did not do these exercises.
Exercises The following exercises have been shown to
reduce the distasis recti separation Core contraction - In a seated position, place
both hands on abdominal muscles.
Take small controlled breaths.
Slowly contract the abdominal muscles, pulling them straight back towards the spine.
Hold the contraction for 30 seconds, while maintaining the controlled breathing.
Complete 10 repetitions.
Seated squeeze - Again in a seated position, place one hand above the belly button, and
the other below the belly button.
With controlled breaths, with a mid-way starting point, pull the abdominals back toward the
spine, hold for 2 seconds and return to the mid-way point.
Complete 100 repetitions.
Head lift - In a lying down position, knees bent at 90° angle, feet flat, slowly lift
the head, chin toward your chest,, slowly contract abdominals toward floor, hold for
two seconds, lower head to starting position for 2 seconds.
Complete 10 repetitions.
Upright push-up - A standup pushup against the wall, with feet together arms-length away
from wall, place hands flat against the wall, contract abdominal muscles toward spine, lean
body towards wall, with elbows bent downward close to body, pull abdominal muscles in further,
with controlled breathing.
Release muscles as you push back to starting position.
Complete 20 repetitions.
Squat against the wall - Also known as a seated squat, stand with back against the wall, feet
out in front of body, slowly lower body to a seated position so knees are bent at a 90°
angle, contracting abs toward spine as you raise body back to standing position.
Optionally, this exercise can also be done using an exercise ball placed against the
wall and your lower back.
Complete 20 Repetitions.
Squat with squeeze - A variation to the "Squat against the wall" is to place a small resistance
ball between the knees, and squeeze the ball as you lower your body to the seated position.
Complete 20 repetitions.
It is also noted that incorrect exercises, including crunches can actually increase the
distasis recti separation).
All corrective exercises should be in the form of pulling in of the abdominal muscles
rather than a pushing of them outwards.
Consultation of a professional physiotherapist is recommended for correct exercise routines.
In addition to the above exercises, the Touro College study concluded the "quadruped" position
yielded the most effective results.
A quadruped position is defined as "a human whose body weight is supported by both arms
as well as both legs".
In this position, the subject would start with a flat back, then slowly tilt the head
down, and arch the back, contracting the abdominal muscles towards the spine, holding this position
for 5 seconds, then releasing back to starting position.
Complete 2 sets of 10 repetitions.
Surgical In extreme cases, diastasis recti is corrected
during the cosmetic surgery procedure known as an abdominoplasty by creating a plication
or folding of the linea alba and suturing together.
This creates a tighter abdominal wall.
In adult females, a laparoscopic Venetian blind technique can be used for plication
of the recti.
References